Rice running back Sam McGuffie is poised to give opposing defensive coordinators fits when he lines up at wide receiver next season. McGuffie was the Owls' leader in rushing yards (883) and receptions (39) in 2010.

After spending his first three college seasons at running back, including the last two at Rice, McGuffie has worked exclusively at wide receiver and slot receiver this spring as the Owls prepare to use him in a multi-purpose role next season.

"Sam is going to play everywhere for us next season," coach David Bailiff said. "We're going to try and play him at running back, at the slot, at the wide receiver and get him the football and let him go to work at what he does best."

Bailiff said McGuffie has "exceeded expectations" with a smooth transition during spring workouts, which continue with the annual Blue-Gray Game on Friday night at Rice Stadium.

"We know he can be a great running back," Bailiff said. "We want him to really put more tools in his tool chest where we can use him to his full potential with everything he has to offer."

Versatile athlete

After sitting out a year following his transfer from Michigan, McGuffie was the Owls' leading rusher (883 yards) and receiver (39 catches) in 2010. The Owls had hoped to use McGuffie as a receiving option last season before ankle and knee injuries sidelined him for most of the season, including the final five games.

To prepare for the move, McGuffie, who is fully recovered, has spent the past few months studying YouTube videos of Jerry Rice and Chad Ochocinco, among others, and any other Rice game film he can get his hands on.

"I'm a visual learner," McGuffie said. "If you tell me one thing, I can learn it. But if you show me, I can really learn it."

Bailiff said there has been a learning curve as McGuffie learns some of the intricacies of being a wide receiver, particularly lining up outside after being used as a receiver out of the backfield in the past.

The route running "has come natural," McGuffie said. Bailiff added there has been a few plays this spring where Rice quarterbacks have found McGuffie on deep pass plays.

"After about three days, it looked like he's been there a lifetime," Bailiff said.

An eye toward NFL

By using McGuffie in the slot, the Owls are counting on his speed - he's arguably the fastest player on the team - to create mismatches. The move also will allow the Owls to get some of their other playmakers on the field at the same time.

The timing of the move is also not lost on McGuffie, who said he wants to help end the Owls' three-year bowl drought and showcase his skills for NFL scouts.

"There are not many guys that can play each position on offense," McGuffie said. "I feel in my heart that I can do it."